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Dec

Trump’s Tariff Threat Puts Canada In Active Mode 

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Prabhjot Singh

Toronto, Canada | Monday | 16 December 2024

The ongoing mockery and threats by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump toward Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada have prompted swift action from Canadian politicians. Consultations with provincial and territorial Premiers have been initiated to counter these challenges.

Prime Minister Trudeau, alongside his Cabinet, held a “long and meaningful” meeting with Premiers following Trump’s repeated quip referring to Trudeau as the “governor” of the “51st State.” This meeting, the second since Trump’s tariff threats last month, comes after Trudeau’s dinner with the President-elect at Mar-a-Lago.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford voiced strong opposition to Trump’s threats of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada and Mexico curtail drug smuggling, particularly fentanyl, and stop illegal migration into the U.S. Ford suggested Canada might retaliate by cutting energy supplies to Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin, emphasizing that Ontario would protect its residents and economy.

“We will use every tool in our toolbox, including cutting off energy supplies,” Ford stated. He added that while Canada prefers cooperation, preparations for retaliation are necessary. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is working on a list of retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.

 

Article at a Glance
The ongoing tensions between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have prompted swift action from Canadian politicians. Following Trump’s derogatory remarks about Trudeau and threats of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Trudeau convened a significant meeting with provincial and territorial Premiers to address these challenges. Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggested retaliatory measures, including cutting energy supplies to U.S. states, while Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is preparing a list of potential tariffs in response to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric.
In light of Trump’s claims regarding fentanyl smuggling, the Canadian government is enhancing border security and increasing law enforcement coordination. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed plans to address these concerns, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberal government’s drug policies. Despite the challenges posed by Trump’s stance, Canadian leaders remain committed to protecting national sovereignty and fostering constructive relations with the U.S.

Trudeau’s government has pledged to enhance border security, despite the lack of concrete evidence from Trump regarding fentanyl smuggling from Canada. Premiers supported measures like deploying more Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and RCMP personnel, increasing drone surveillance, and enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed plans to address Trump’s concerns, including stricter controls on chemical precursors for fentanyl and improved policing cooperation. “Details of the government’s plan will be shared with Canadians and the incoming Trump administration soon,” LeBlanc said.

Trump’s repeated accusations that Canada’s porous borders facilitate fentanyl smuggling have fuelled political debate domestically. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre introduced a resolution in Parliament calling on Trudeau to combat the drug crisis, which he claimed has caused 47,000 Canadian deaths since 2016—a 200% increase in overdose fatalities.

Poilievre criticized the Liberal government’s “radical drug liberalization policies” and proposed measures such as reinstating mandatory sentences for drug offenses, banning fentanyl precursors, and investing in high-powered scanners at ports. Though the motion was defeated, it highlighted the urgency of addressing the fentanyl epidemic.

Canadian law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to disrupt fentanyl production and trafficking. In a significant operation last October, the RCMP dismantled a “super lab” in British Columbia capable of producing 95 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Investigators seized 54 kilograms of fentanyl, 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, firearms, explosives, and $500,000 in cash.

The operation, described as Canada’s largest of its kind, led to the arrest of Gaganpreet Randhawa, who faces multiple drug and firearms charges. Authorities emphasized that this proactive approach is essential to curbing domestic production and international export of illegal drugs.

U.S. border agents have reported a sharp increase in fentanyl seizures, with doses intercepted rising from 239,000 in 2023 to 839,000 in 2024. Trump’s administration has demanded stronger Canadian efforts to address the crisis, warning of economic repercussions if action is not taken.

Poilievre accused Trudeau of inaction, stating, “President-elect Trump’s tariff threats over fentanyl will devastate our economy if this crisis isn’t fixed.” He urged the government to prioritize border security and end liberal drug policies to save lives and the economy.

In Parliament, Trudeau defended his government’s approach, citing strengthened border surveillance through helicopters, drones, and increased CBSA staffing. Liberals also criticized the previous Conservative government for underfunding the border agency. Trudeau assured Canadians that further measures to plug security gaps would be implemented soon.

While Trump’s aggressive stance poses significant challenges, Canadian leaders are determined to protect the country’s sovereignty and economy. Trudeau’s administration aims to balance domestic security needs with maintaining constructive relations with its southern neighbour.

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